Rushcliffe Country Park has raised its twelfth consecutive Green Flag Award acknowledging it as one of the very best parks in the UK as its hard working volunteers’ were praised in their annual celebration.

The Mayor of Rushcliffe Cllr Mrs Maureen Stockwood and Deputy Leader of the Council Cllr Debbie Mason joined over 30 volunteers from the Friends of Rushcliffe Country Park at a ceremony on August 8 to mark the raising of the prestigious flag and hear more about the Friends’ work around the open space.

In July, the park was again named among a record-breaking 1,883 UK parks and green spaces that have received the award which is the mark of a quality park or green space.

The Mayor addressed the assembled volunteers to thank them for their continued efforts to raise the reputation of the park.

Cllr Mason also praised the volunteers’ work, and said: “This award highlights the dedication that our staff and brilliant volunteers continue to show in order to maintain such high standards in and around the park.

“The efforts from the Friends of Rushcliffe Country Park do not go unnoticed and it is great that we can again jointly celebrate them with the raising of the Green Flag.

“Our parks and green spaces are of such high importance to residents and visitors alike so we are so glad to be able to receive this accreditation once more.”

Chair of Friends of Rushcliffe Country Park Dorothy Pearson said: “Our valued volunteers put in so much effort which makes this award really well deserved.

“The fact that this is the twelfth consecutive year of receiving the Green Flag accreditation shows the hard work that has gone into the upkeep of the park over the years and the amazing contribution from the Friends of Rushcliffe Country Park.”

The international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.